A Nearly Normal Family

The narrative flashes back to Stella experiencing a whirlwind of excitement and romance during a seemingly perfect two-week summer fling with Christopher. However, this phase takes a jarring turn when Stella encounters Linda, Christopher’s ex-girlfriend, at her workplace. Linda warns Stella about Christopher not being who he seems to be and tells her to look in his locked drawer.

In the present, Shirine presents Stella with Dostoevsky’s novel Crime and Punishment, but Stella chooses to start with French writer Zola’s shorter Thérèse Raquin. Her interaction with Shirine takes a deeper turn as they discuss reasons for having children. This conversation leads Stella to introspect about her family dynamics and her longing for simpler times with her father. Stella considers confessing to escape the torment of her confinement.

In the past, Stella grapples with conflicting feelings about Christopher after Linda’s warning. Despite Amina’s skepticism, Stella trusts Christopher. Still, Stella’s curiosity leads her to investigate the locked drawer in his home. Upon unlocking it, Stella is confronted with unexpected and perplexing contents.